LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo among many in NBA to pay tribute to Russell Westbrook after retirement

[ASFN Admin]

Russell Westbrook announced his retirement from the NBA on Wednesday, ending an 18-year career that included an MVP award, nine All-NBA selections, two scoring championships and will ultimately lead him to basketball's Hall of Fame.

Westbrook broke the news himself in a social-media video narrated by actor Michael B. Jordan, surprising many in the league who thought he would eventually sign with a team for at least one more season ahead of training camp.

Sometimes you don’t even know when you’ve already watched the end.

You had to be there. And now it’s over. pic.twitter.com/6YoOW8WyIV

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) August 12, 2026

Some of the NBA's biggest stars, former teammates and rivals of Westbrook — and teams themselves — praised the relentless guard on social media in the wake of the news.

LeBron gave Russell Westbrook a special shoutout after his retirement announcement pic.twitter.com/eNuDBvy6VK

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 12, 2026

"Incredible career, brother. You made people around the world feel your presence and love for the game. There are not a lot of people who played harder than you." — Giannis Antetokounmpo

Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti:

"Russell Westbrook is the ultimate competitor.

His internal belief and unbridled fearlessness helped establish the foundation of our organization from day one in 2008 and he elevated the confidence and inspired…

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 12, 2026

congratulations on an amazing career we weeee! https://t.co/JKAIuY0orX

— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) August 12, 2026

RUSSELL

To a legend on and off the floor, congrats on retirement and thank you for everything you gave to the city @russwest44pic.twitter.com/n6MqJqKaH9

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) August 13, 2026

Thank You @russwest44

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 12, 2026

Damn Brodie… an absolute Legend! What a hell of a career!
@russwest44

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 12, 2026

Some careers need no words. Congratulations, Russell https://t.co/JdE5ZAXDr0pic.twitter.com/OvcPjmqr0T

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 12, 2026

Here’s to a great career! Wishing you the best, Russ pic.twitter.com/rclrL1zpEu

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 12, 2026

GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER!!!! https://t.co/qZcUnpwz0m

— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) August 12, 2026

What a career — Michael Phelps

Salute! Legend on and off the floor. Keep inspiring the youth. — Tobias Harris

You Always Did It YOUR Way
Salute King — Myles Turner

Congrats On Retirement Legend… 1st Ballot Incoming. https://t.co/p7pULxKD5X

— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) August 12, 2026

Congrats on retirement, Russ! We’re honored to be part of your legendary career pic.twitter.com/3sdJv6GdSV

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) August 12, 2026

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